The Karnataka High Court has rejected the bail plea of Shahid Khan, a member of the banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI). Khan is among 19 accused allegedly involved in radicalizing Muslim youth, providing them armed training, and raising funds for terrorist activities. The order was passed in Criminal Appeal No. 1475/2025 (SHAHID KHAN v/s STATE OF KARNATAKA).

The prosecution stated that Khan had been actively involved in PFI activities since 2019, serving as the district president of the Davangere zone. He is accused of allegedly encouraging youth to participate in terrorist activities and forming groups that could engage in violent acts.

Khan faces charges under Sections 153A and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Sections 13, 17, 18, 18A, 18B, and 22B of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He was arrested on September 22, 2022, and his bail petition had previously been rejected by the lower court.

A division bench comprising Justices H.P. Sandesh and Venkatesh Naik T observed that the lower court had properly evaluated the available evidence and found no grounds for granting bail. The bench also highlighted that Section 43D(5) of the UAPA imposes a legal bar on bail.

The High Court clarified that under Section 45, government approval is only required for cognizance of the offense, not for granting bail to a specific accused, allowing the trial to proceed.

Key Reasons for Denying Bail

Clear evidence of Shahid Khan’s alleged involvement in terror funding and fundraising.

Evidence will be examined during the trial; it cannot be a basis for bail.

Minor procedural lapses, such as non-compliance during seizure, do not justify bail.

The case diary will not be made available to the accused.

Following the court’s order, Shahid Khan will not be released on bail. The NIA and state prosecution will continue the trial with the evidence against him.